A Morning Visit to Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan National Park, Pyeongchang
On the second morning of our trip to Pyeongchang, we headed to Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan National Park to see the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda.
There is a parking fee of ₩6,000.
After crossing Geumgang Bridge over the Odae Stream, you'll arrive at Woljeongsa Temple.
The deep green water of Geumgangyeon Pond, where all the waters of the Odaesan valleys gather, is stunning.
An observation deck for Geumgangyeon Pond is available for visitors with mobility issues. Kim Hong-do, a painter born in 1745, traveled around Geumgangsan Mountain and the eight scenic views of Gwandong in 1788 by order of King Jeongjo of Joseon, and painted landscape paintings. He visited Odaesan Mountain and left four paintings, including Woljeongsa Temple, Odaesan Sago (historical archive), Jungdae Jeokmyeolbogung (a hall enshrining relics of Buddha), and Sangwonsa Temple.
From Geumgang Bridge, you can see the Odae Stream beside the Fir Forest Trail, home to lenok, Korean Fat Minnow, and otters, which live in the cold, clear water. These are protected as endangered wildlife.
Passing through 천왕문 (Cheonwangmun Gate)...
... you'll see the Four Heavenly Kings.
Then you'll reach 금강루 (Geumgangnu Pavilion)...
...followed by 금강문 (Geumgangmun Gate).
The ceiling of Geumgangmun Gate is decorated with Buddhist images.
Jeokgwangjeon, the main hall enshrining Sakyamuni Buddha. Generally, a hall enshrining Sakyamuni Buddha is called Daeungjeon, and a hall enshrining Vairocana Buddha is called Jeokgwangjeon. It is said that the nameplate was hung as Jeokgwangjeon in a symbolic sense because the Avatamsaka (Flower Garland) Sutra was widely spread here.
This temple was founded in 643 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla by the monk Jajangyulsa.
The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda, representative of early Goryeo pagodas, is a National Treasure.
The Yakwangbosal statue sits facing the pagoda and Jeokgwangjeon, offering alms. This stone seated bodhisattva statue is a replica; the original is in the Woljeongsa Temple Museum.
The lotus-patterned foundation, the balanced pagoda body, and the gilt-bronze decorations on the upper part are particularly beautiful. It stands at an impressive 15 meters tall.
Some people are performing 탑돌이 (circling the pagoda).
수광전 (Sugwangjeon Hall) and 극락전 (Geungnakjeon Hall).
Jonggo-ru houses a bell, a wooden fish, a unpan, and a beopgo (Dharma drum). They operate a Templestay program where you can experience the history and culture of Korean Buddhism.
Back to 천왕문 (Cheonwangmun Gate).
The Fir Forest Trail, perfect for walking barefoot, is known as one of the three most beautiful fir forests, along with the Gwangneung National Arboretum's Fir Forest and Naesosa Temple's Fir Forest in Buan, Byeonsanbando Peninsula.
The foot-washing area is well-maintained.
The 2025 Odaesan Fir Forest Trail Barefoot Healing Trekking event will be held on September 20, 2025 (Saturday) from 9:30 AM.
The cost is ₩10,000 per person, and various souvenirs will be given out.
Various Buddhist supplies, such as books and soaps, are sold at Geumgangnu Pavilion.
Seonjae-gil Trail, popular for walking in all four seasons.
Pyeongchang Kensington Hotel
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